With all the uncertainty of the last couple years, there are many reasons couples may choose to host a wedding reception long after officially saying I Do. Meagan + Connor have been best friends since their middle school days, and dated for four years before tying the knot in 2020. A year later, they were able to throw their dream reception, this black tie celebration in the Florida Keys Island Life Events and Erica J Photography are sharing today. Read their sweet story as you soak up some serious coastal vibes, below!

From the bride… I found out on December 1, 2020, that my father was terminally ill with prostate cancer so my boyfriend, Connor, and I hopped on a plane and came home to Charlotte, NC the next day. A few days into our quarantine before seeing him we decided we were going to have a “shotgun” wedding so that he could be there with us and walk me down the aisle. And sure enough, we did. We got married on December 10th just one week before my dad passed away. We threw together a very intimate ceremony with only our immediate families and it was perfect.
Major style points for everyone at this wedding!

We have always dreamed about having a big blowout wedding in the keys where Connor and his family have spent many summers and holidays. I fell in love with it after my first visit with him many years ago. In my mind, I always pictured a black-tie wedding but wasn’t sure it was possible given the climate and sandy venues. ...